It's only thread and fabric, if you don't like it change it back. The shoulder straps on the Dixon vest I had were really comfortable, only thing they were not adjustable. I've had someone modify most of my vests over the years I hate the plastic buckles that click together, and zippers or Velcro don't belong on my vest, I prefer buttons. It's not much to add or move pockets. For some reason Chinese people think a box call should be on the front of the vest were it can get all in the way. I settled on an old vest that was already built right , in the US